When companies order too much of one thing, such as a particular item of clothing for sale in a retail store, and it doesn't sell like they anticipated, they are left with overstock or surplus merchandise. They often sell this surplus at a big discount to consumers and other businesses, such as closeout or liquidations wholesalers.
Liquidations and closeout wholesalers and suppliers often specialize in reselling surplus, overstock, returns, and clearance merchandise from all types of department stores. Items that have been salvaged because they are slightly defective can also be sold at a discount, because there are always people willing to buy discounted goods like this.
Salvage and surplus stores exist in many communities, and some specialize in particular areas, like police equipment surplus. A retail shopping plaza may contain an outlet that offers surplus and salvaged goods, enticing consumers in with big savings. Other company specialty areas include marine, military, and auto parts.
You'll also find surplus and salvage merchandise at auctions, either in traditional auction houses or via online auctions. People can bid on anything from car accessories to clothing. Because companies really need to get rid of these items to make some money back on their initial purchases, they will usually let the goods go for a lot less than in a retail store setting.
Salvaged and surplus merchandise suppliers buy from vendors and resell overstock and customer returns, especially on a seasonal basis, such as home heaters, garden accessories, workout equipment, and summer bathing suits. Even cars can be purchased at overstock prices. Consumers can find salvage and surplus merchandise by performing an internet search or inquiring through business dealings.

Salvage and surplus merchandise usually includes clothing, accessories, equipment, and other goods that are purchased at sale prices as overstock through supplier closeout and liquidation auctions. The types of goods that can be purchase often vary greatly. When you attend an auction, you might find clothing and overstock from retail shopping vendors, but you also might be able to buy cars and auto parts from police seizures, and military and marine goods. The advantage of buying equipment, accessories, and clothing from these liquidations is that they prices are much lower than you can find at a retailer. When you contact the liquidations company, ask them what types of auctions they have coming up in the near future. Find out what goods and what suppliers will be at the auction. While they might not be able to provide details about all of the closeout goods that come from various businesses, they might be able to give you a general idea of what will be there. Ask them if you will have to pay the auction company a fee for shopping through them. Since these auctions often consist of large amounts of overstock, you should also ask them if they have delivery services and if you have to pay extra for these services. Ask them how long they have been in business. Those with several years of experience usually have connections with more suppliers than those that have not been around for as many years. Pay attention to the level of courtesy they use. This often indicates how much they value your business.